102 Janus locomotives were built between 1956 and 1965 mostly for the British steel industry, but other customers included Imperial Chemical Industries (12), Port of London Authority (10) and National Coal Board (7) with 3 locomotives exported. One locomotive was tested by British Rail as a possible alternative/replacement for class 08 shunters and in 2008 23 were still in industrial service with 7 preserved.
The name Janus is from the two-faced god Janus: the locomotive was symmetrical with two faces. The similarity in power and speed would indicate that this type of locomotive could have been used in a similar role to the British Rail Class 08 shunter. In recent years Class 08 shunters owned by EWS have replaced Janus locomotives on some industrial railways.
One loco was loaned to BR for tests.
The specification of the model will be as follows:
- OO gauge, 1:76 scale
- 5 pole, skew wound motor
- Accurate model with fine detail bodywork.
- NEM coupler pockets.